3321 MON. NIGHT CHAPTER 8

For the first time I am understanding what Fiction is, how important it is to read, and how important it is to have books that students can relate to. I think books that are Fiction, Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Science Fiction are about the most important books students can read.

Fiction, for instance, is important because it illuminates truth. Many of the books that are fiction are written from the authors life, what he or she has learned from experience they have walked through, and what he or she has learned from investigating and researching a certain topic. Still, fiction can be imaginative, but how true to life it is is determined by the genre.

In Contemporary Realistic Fiction there is a wider range that is covered. For instance, in its genre people, animals, and events are included because of the possibility that the people and animals could actually exist, and the events could actually occur. Another reason I think this type of book is important is that students like to read about other children who are similar to themselves and what they might be going through or have gone through. It helps them feel like they are not alone.

Historical Fiction is a gem, I think, because it keeps the past alive. Those who write historical fiction have a deep love and respect for the past. They want to keep it alive by doing extensive research to acquire detailed information to write the truth about people, an event, or a place to enrich the book. And when an illustrator creates the pictures to an Historical Fiction book the book comes alive and draws the reader into the book.

Science Fiction offers the possibility that it could happen. Though writers have a tough assignment in this area of writing, they accept the challenge and "they speculate about future technology and advances in human knowledge while writing a plausible story."pg. 180. The writers imagination, creativity, and adventurous attitude must be in line with their writing to make their story attract and keep the reader. Their description of the topic of their story must be believable so that the readers believes the whole story and no dump the book half way.

As I read this chapter I see that there is Fiction for every level of readers. As well for every topic a reader might enjoy. I really like the section of Good Critical Questioning and Word Sorts; it helps to have a list of questions ready and an activity for the reading time in case I should be absent. I can also see how I can use the Storyboards to help my students remember elements of the book and story. Making reading time fun helps keep the students attention and interest in reading alive. That is why I like the Literature-Based Board Games section on page 210. Figure 8.7 gives great information on the Literature-Based Board Games, and it starts on page 210 - 211 and it includes adaptions which are needed for Special Needs students.